Focal Muscle Vibration and Physical Exercise in Postmastectomy Recovery: An Explorative Study

Abstract

Background. Physical activity initiation and maintenance are particular challenges in the postmastectomy recovery and in particular Dragon Boat racing seems to be a useful sport activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of focal muscle vibration as a proprioceptive input to improve upper limb functioning in a group of “paddlers” patients. Methods. A group of paddlers has been evaluated before vibratory treatment (T0), immediately after therapy (T1), after one week (T2), and after one month (T3) with DASH questionnaire, Body Image Scale, McGill pain questionnaire, Constant Scale, and Short Form 36 questionnaire. Results. Fourteen patients showed a significant reduction in disability score (p = 0,001) using DASH scale, an improvement of upper limb function (p = 0,001) using the Constant scale, and a reduction of pain (p = 0,007) at the McGill pain questionnaire. The Mental Composite Score of the Short Form 36 questionnaire showed significant results (p = 0,04) while no significant results had been found regarding the physical mental score (p = 0,08). Conclusion. Focal muscle vibration may be a useful treatment in a postmastectomy recovery of upper limb functionality.

Is the Focal Muscle Vibration an Effective Motor Conditioning Intervention? A Systematic Review

“…In this regard, MVC increased up to ≈+30% in young subjects [35], whereas, in the elderly, MVC improvements of ≈+40% and ≈+50% were reported, respectively, in males and females [33]. It is noticeable that another study, not included since the evaluation was performed only immediately after the end of FVT [42], supported the MVC increase reported in a previous study by the same authors [23]. Only in a single study did MVC not increase, even if the rate of the force development (RFD) improved (≈+27%) [30].…”

“…The muscle state may be contracted or relaxed during stimulation. The tested performance parameters are different, belonging to several physiological functionalities, from the simple force amplitude to the force time course or movement coordination, with outcome follow-ups ranging from hours to months [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Such protocol differences are likely the origin of different reported results.…”

Integration of focal vibration and intra-articular oxygen–ozone therapy in rehabilitation of painful knee osteoarthritis

“… 21 – 23 Although there is no universal consensus on the ideal protocol, the transmission of high- and low-intensity mechanical signals simulates the physiological stimuli that the human body encounters in daily life, ensuring safer effects than those of mild training programs. 50 , 51 Several groups have shown that mFV consistently alters the interaction between the vibrated muscle and its antagonists and increases motor coordination, thus likely improving joint performance. 52 , 53 Furthermore, the onset of the effects of mFV occurs as soon as 60 minutes after the end of the intervention.…”

Effects of physiotherapy on improving quality of life in women after mastectomy

“…Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting the female population and the second most common cause of death from malignant tumors in this group. Increasing morbidity is observed all over the world [3,4]. The incidence of breast cancer is estimated to increase 3 times by 2050 compared to 2013 [4].…”

“…The implementation of treatments of a systemic nature increases the life expectancy of women diagnosed with breast cancer but may leave behind chronic side effects in the form of functional deficits and mental health problems [3,5,6,7]. Deterioration of both physical and mental functioning leads to significant changes in a woman's family, social, and professional life and is a major cause of reduced quality of life [5,7,8].…”